1. How can I write a better persuasive letter/essay? Help me write!

2. Hook your reader! Begin your writing with… A rhetorical question Example: Have you ever noticed that dreams start early on? Cause an emotional response Example: Our children are being neglected, I know that you cannot sit back and deny that something must be done. Set the mood—paint a “mind” picture. Example: Students march around like ants on an important mission. Give an amazing fact Example: You will be shocked to learn… Use a quote Example: “We should be a health conscious student body and staff,” exclaimed Mr. Pulit

3. State your position! State your position in the first paragraph. I believe… I know… Trust me when I say… Only defend one side of the issue. Don’t flip flop by saying both sides of the issue are good or bad.

4. Use DRAPES to make your writing more interesting! Dialogue Rhetorical questions Analogies Personal experiences Examples Statistics

5. Dialogue Dialogue: Include what someone said in your essay, like an expert, teacher, parent, or friend. Reading an essay that includes dialogue is more interesting to read. Don’t forget to use quotation marks! Example: According to Dr. D, “Our budget has decreased since money has been spent on…”

6. Rhetorical Questions Rhetorical Questions: Include a question that makes your reader think deeply about your position. Engage your reader by asking him/her to participate in thinking about your important issue. Example: Do you think adolescents are equipped to make their own decisions?

7. Analogies Make comparisons to get your reader to understand what you mean. Example: Children are like plants. If you give them lots of care and attention, they grow strong and healthy. If you neglect them, they become weak and sickly.

8. Personal Experience Tell a story or an anecdote. Stories can show your reader that you have first hand experience. Furthermore, people love stories. Examples: This reminds me of… As a matter of fact, once… I’ll never forget the time…

9. Examples Use specific details and examples to prove what you mean. Don’t write general nouns, instead use proper or specific ones. Examples: No Yes sodaCoca Cola peoplecitizens of Meriden children eighth graders or TEMS students

10. Statistics Give your reader data: percents, numbers, etc… People love facts! Examples: Can you believe that… As many as… In fact,… Research shows…